Been using BIAB for years, this just started. When I play any backing track it sounds like there's a loose wire on the speaker, that scratchy staticy noise, and it's coming out of each of the 4 speakers. But it only happens with BIAB. Any other app the sound is fine (youtube, software piano, etc). I'm not aware of any changes to any software. I'm at a loss, any thoughts where to start?
BIAB 2016 (438), Windows 7, audiophile 2496 connected to Sony amp and stereo system.
Could be one of several causes. Because the sound is OK on other apps, my first thought is sound card buffer size. You may think if your DAW or other music program is OK then BIAB should be also, but BIAB requires more CPU power than most programs.
Is this an older M-Audio 2496 card? Running on ASIO? Increase the buffer size.
Otherwise please provide more info. What is your single-core Geekbench (free) score?
Does DPC Latency Checker (also free) show red spikes?
How much free space by % is on your hard drive (more than 15, I hope)?
Are all your audio and video drivers up to date?
You say it just started. What could have just changed such as a Windows update?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Been using BIAB for years, this just started. When I play any backing track it sounds like there's a loose wire on the speaker, that scratchy staticy noise, and it's coming out of each of the 4 speakers. But it only happens with BIAB. Any other app the sound is fine (youtube, software piano, etc). I'm not aware of any changes to any software. I'm at a loss, any thoughts where to start?
BIAB 2016 (438), Windows 7, audiophile 2496 connected to Sony amp and stereo system.
Interesting. I got static today as well, seemingly after I upgraded to BIAB 2018.
But if you are at 2016 with the problem, perhaps it is something in a recent Windows update and sound handling.
Haven't had time to follow up on all your suggestions but here's where I'm at:
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Is this an older M-Audio 2496 card? Running on ASIO? Increase the buffer size.
Card is from 2008. It's running ASIO, sample rate 44.1kHz, buffer size 64. Haven't had a chance to try with larger buffer. I do notice that if I just play my piano on the thru channel but without the backing track playing, there's far less static than if I just play the backing track.
Quote:
Otherwise please provide more info. What is your single-core Geekbench (free) score?
1835/4770
Quote:
Does DPC Latency Checker (also free) show red spikes?
Haven't run it
Quote:
How much free space by % is on your hard drive (more than 15, I hope)?
50%
Quote:
Are all your audio and video drivers up to date?
Audiophile has latest updates, video driver I'm not sure.
Quote:
You say it just started. What could have just changed such as a Windows update?
I checked the windows update log, it's all antivirus, MSE security stuff. The last non security update was .NET framework a week ago.
Geekbench score is adequate but not great. By audio driver, I mean the driver for your 2496, not the BIAB update (however, that just went to 509 today).
However:
The buffer size of 64 sounds like the problem to me. Jack that up to 500 or thereabouts.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Is this an older M-Audio 2496 card? Running on ASIO? Increase the buffer size.
I increased the buffer size and it solved the problem. It was 64, went to 256 and problem gone. Tried 128 and it was better than 64 but still noticeable. I have no idea what caused this to show up, but I'm happy it's solved. tnx
I'll add this just in case it helps someone else searching the forum to solve a static noise issue.
I had random quiet crackling going on similar to a bad speaker cable or speaker jack but rather quiet.
Solution for me was to put my wireless keyboard and mouse receiver (a square USB gadget about the size of my thumb nail) on a little 6 inch USB extension. I guess it was too close to the computer (laptop) itself and too close to the other USB connections. Moving it farther away solved the problem.
The nearby USB connections have my BIAB hardrive and my Audio Interface connected.
Oh yes, RFI is one of the more fun challenges. But MarkL’s problem turned out to be buffer size, my first guess.
Well, i begin to doubt the relation between static and buffersize: ASIO, 512 samples, USB soundmodule set to 44.1kHz. Rarely i work with the audio track in BIAB (510), but for an arrangement job imported a 16 bi6 44,1 kHz mono file. Graphics look OK, but seemingly at different places i get static for about 2 secconds, very loud. AND THEN THE WEIRD THING: when you solo the audio track with the editor open: NO STATIC, muting the Audio track, still bursts of static. Erasing the audiotrack, stilil static, reloading the song, still static. (other songs that never had audio, no static).
UPDATE: reloaded after a 2nd reboot, and then there was NO STATIC. Wonder if it has to do with windows ... - F
ideas welcome anyway.... PS, i'll be off-line a few days from 31- Jan.
2 seconds of loud static might be a plugin telling you it is not registered.
Well, finally got the time to suss things out. REMOVED all DX and VST pluggies (none' selected), but the static (2sec) bursts are there as soon as a mono 44.1 kHz 16bit mono audio file is loaded (the static is not visible on the Audiotrack edit page). Always at the same bar, unless you quit BIAB, reloading the lot ... static still there, different spots.
Muting Audio, static still there. Killing Audio ... still there, but seemingly less frequent.
Loading a song without Audio, (no reboot of BIAB necessary) no static. Saved the song MGU without audio, reloaded it, imported the Audio ... still static, other place, and less bursts .... beats me ..
PS, ASIO, WAS, MME all behave the same.
Q: In what folders does BIAB search for pluggies? Is there a txt or lst file to manually edit the plugins listed? In the dialog DX/VST where one selects plugins manually there's none present that might be suspicious. - F
Another wild guess: did you recently buy a new wireless router, or wireless keyboard or mouse? Or move a router next to your PC?
nope, no blueutooth, no wireless, USB can be the culprit, doubtful though ...
Well i am updating my sound module, new firmware available, and once i figure out were BIAB looks for the plugins, AND if you're right, there might be a stray one ... My guess is now that it might be related to audio frequencies, and maybe i should create the file from another source, or test all in Realband first. All in due time, later thus, busy week ahead ... F
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean